Communication management features

A communication answering device having a processor and a memory, the processor executing a program for answering a communication, the program performing the steps of:

• receiving an incoming communication request sent by a sender;
• answering the communication;
• placing the communication on hold;
• and
• injecting an audio, video, text, and/or graphic message into a communication channel between the device and the sender, wherein the message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication;
• providing a screening feature that performs the steps of identifying a sender of the communication, identifying screening settings based on the sender, determining whether the communication is allowed in accordance with the identified settings, notifying a recipient of the communication, if the communication is allowed, and processing the communication without notifying a recipient, if the communication is not allowed.

A computer-readable tangible medium that stores a computer program for answering communications, comprising:

• a first routine that receives an incoming communication sent by a sender and intended for a communication device of a recipient;
• a second routine that answers the communication and places the communication on hold;
• a third routine that injects an audio, video, text, and/or graphic message into a communication channel between the recipient and the sender, wherein the message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication;
• a fourth routine that displays identification information of the sender;
• and
• a fifth routine that displays options to respond to the communication, wherein the options include a received communication option and a hold communication option, and wherein the second routine injects a first message if the received communication option is selected and injects a second message if the hold communication option is selected.

A communication device for answering communications including a memory and a processor, the device comprising:

• means for receiving an incoming communication sent by a sender and intended for a communication device of a recipient;
• means for answering the communication, and placing the communication on hold;
• means for displaying identification information of the sender and means for displaying options to respond to the communication, wherein the options include a received communication option and a hold communication option;
• and
• means for injecting an audio, video, text, and/or graphic message, wherein the message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication,
• wherein the means for answering injects a first message if the received communication option is selected and injects a second message if the hold communication option is selected.